50 Down
NYT Daily ? September 28, 2025
Clown around with food?
Answer:
MCDONALD
Hint:
Think of a fast-food giant whose name starts with "Mc" and sounds like it could belong to a playful circus performer.
Explanation:
This clue plays on the idea of a "clown" being the mascot for McDonald's—Ronald McDonald—while "around with food" hints at the fast-food chain itself. The word "clown" is a nod to the brand’s iconic character, and "food" points to what McDonald’s sells. Combining the two gives you the answer, using the mascot’s last name as a clever stand-in for the whole company.
More Clues from This Puzzle
General solving tip
A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.
More tips → General Hints